Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek ‘Test*sterone’ Claim from Rival Sparks Uproar
The tennis world has erupted in controversy after former WTA player Marion Bartoli accused world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Świątek of benefiting from “higher test*sterone levels” that give them an edge in physicality and endurance, a remark that has drawn widespread condemnation as “sexist” and “outdated.” Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon champion, made the comments during an October 18, 2025, appearance on the French podcast *On Refait les Matchs*, suggesting that the Belarusian and Pole’s “masculine” power—evident in their 2025 dominance (Sabalenka’s 52-8 record with two Slams, Świątek’s 60-5 with three)—stems from hormonal advantages rather than training or talent. “They have a testosterone level that allows them to hit harder and recover faster—it’s not just hard work,” Bartoli said, sparking immediate uproar from players, fans, and officials who labeled it a “slap in the face” to women’s achievements and a dangerous echo of past doping scandals.
The Claim: Bartoli’s ‘Test*sterone’ Theory
Bartoli’s remarks came amid a discussion on the WTA’s “power era,” where she contrasted Sabalenka and Świątek’s baseline thumpers with past champions like Justine Henin. “Look at Aryna and Iga—they’re built like men in terms of power. It’s the testosterone that gives them that edge; you can’t replicate it with training alone,” Bartoli argued, citing their ability to “dominate rallies” and “outlast opponents.” She clarified it wasn’t “doping” but natural physiology, but the damage was done. The podcast clip, viewed 1.5 million times within 24 hours, ignited a firestorm, with #BartoliTestosterone trending at 500,000 mentions on X.
Sabalenka and Świątek, both under 25 and leading the 2025 WTA with 112 combined wins, have been lightning rods for physicality debates—Sabalenka’s 2024 Australian Open win over Zheng Qinwen (6-3, 6-2) and Świątek’s 2025 French Open three-peat. But Bartoli’s claim harks back to 2017, when Maria Sharapova accused Serena Williams of “testosterone advantages” amid doping scrutiny.
The Uproar: “Sexist Slur” and Calls for Apology
The backlash was swift and fierce. Świątek’s coach Tomasz Wiktorowski fired back on Instagram: “Outdated and sexist—tennis is about skill, not hormones. Apologize to the women you just diminished.” Sabalenka, known for her fiery demeanor, tweeted: “Testosterone? That’s rich from someone who couldn’t handle the power game. Focus on facts, not fiction.” Fellow players piled on: Coco Gauff called it a “slap in the face to every woman who’s worked for this,” while Ons Jabeur labeled it “disgusting and harmful.” Fans on X erupted: “Bartoli reducing Slams to testosterone? Misogyny at its worst” (300k likes). “Sharapova 2.0—tennis women are always ‘too strong’ when they win,” another post read.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) condemned the remarks: “Comments like these undermine the achievements of our athletes and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. We stand with Aryna and Iga.” French Tennis Federation president Gilbert Ysern called for Bartoli’s apology, noting: “This is not the spirit of our sport.”
The Rivals’ Response: Defiance and Focus
Świątek, 24, has been a lightning rod for physicality comments since her 2022 French Open debut, but her 60-5 2025 record (three Slams) speaks volumes. “Iga’s power is from years of work, not hormones,” her team stated. Sabalenka, 27, who won Australian Open and US Open in 2025, embraced the fire: “I’ll take ‘testosterone’ as a compliment—means I’m winning.” Both at the WTA Finals in Riyadh (November 2-9), their focus remains: Sabalenka No. 1 (52-8), Świątek No. 2 (60-5).
Bartoli, 41, apologized on X: “My words were poorly chosen—I meant to highlight their incredible athleticism, not imply anything unfair. Sorry to Aryna, Iga, and the community.” But the uproar lingers, with #WomensTennisPower trending at 400k posts.
The Bigger Picture: Physicality and Gender in Tennis
Bartoli’s claim echoes past controversies: Sharapova’s 2016 “men vs. women” pay gap rant, or Serena’s 2013 “testosterone” backlash from Maria. “Women are ‘too strong’ when they win, ‘weak’ when they lose,” tweeted Billie Jean King. The WTA’s 2025 physicality debate, amid 41 retirements at Masters 1000s, calls for reform—more rest, less scrutiny.
| Player | 2025 Wins-Losses | Slams Won | Key ‘Power’ Comment |
|——–|——————-|———–|———————|
| Aryna Sabalenka | 52-8 | 2 (AO, USO) | “Power from work, not hormones” |
| Iga Świątek | 60-5 | 3 (FO, Wimbledon, USO) | “Athleticism, not advantages” |
Reactions: “Disgusting” and “Harmful”
Social media raged:
– “Bartoli’s ‘testosterone’ slur? Disgusting—women’s wins = ‘unfair’?” (300k likes)
– Gauff: “Slap in the face to every woman who’s worked for this.”
– King: “Outdated—tennis is skill, not biology.”
Bartoli’s “poorly chosen” apology came too late; the uproar underscores tennis’s gender minefield. Sabalenka and Świątek’s dominance isn’t “testosterone”—it’s triumph. Riyadh awaits; the queens rule.
